Seanad debates
Wednesday, 11 December 2002
Order of Business.
Senator Fitzgerald referred to third level fees and asked about any evidence in that regard. I think he raised the matter because today's newspapers inquire whether the abolition of fees led to more disadvantaged people entering third level. The evidence overwhelmingly suggests that they did not. The Senator pointed to decreasing enrolment at third level, which is a matter of concern. However, more older people are going back to college to take modules of courses and extra degrees, which is good. There is clear evidence that the disadvantaged did not enter third level in greater numbers when fees were abolished. The Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Dempsey, is right to have a public debate, which will involve all the institutions, bodies and agencies, on the matter. Let us see what comes out of it. We should not be afraid of facts and should welcome such a debate.
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